They're playing for keeps

Softball fundraiser benefits Sarah Schools Clay.

Softball fundraiser benefits Sarah Schools Clay.

April 12, 2006|LAUREEN FAGAN Tribune Staff Writer

It was windy, it was rainy -- and it wasn't exactly a beautiful day for softball. But for softball players committed to helping out Sarah Schools Clay, a tournament played on diamonds all over Mishawaka recently was a good enough reason to weather the conditions. The fundraiser was played on fields at Central, Rose and Normain parks. The entire event was coordinated by Stephanie Schools, sister of the former Mishawaka High School athlete who was paralyzed in a 2001 ATV crash. Clay, now married and studying pharmacy at Butler University, will head to Portugal soon for experimental treatment for spinal injury. "There are 27 teams," said Schools, who stopped in at Central Park to see how things were going. And who, along with Jennifer Semak, 25, of South Bend, was organizing the fundraiser raffles. "We have tons of raffles," Schools said. "We have over 90 items." Schools said she was very pleased with the support of the community. "Michiana always steps up when there's someone in need," Schools explained. Behind her, 44-year-old Dave Colcord of Niles had his team out to support Clay. "When you come across something like that, any way you can help, you can contribute like that," he said. One of his players, 34-year-old Andrea Mosiej of South Bend, said the Play Ball and/or Lightning Automotive team has been playing together for several years. "Last year, we won our division in the summer," she said, no reason to bother hiding the pride in her voice. Over at Rose Park, Clay herself was on hand to see all the diamonds full -- and refreshments, including grilled brats, served up at one of the park's picnic shelters. "The tournament is very important to me," Clay said, surrounded by friends and family in the parking lot. "It's amazing for me to see how many teams have shown their support. "And it's important financially, because my insurance won't pay for the surgery that I'm going to be having." Besides that, Clay was thrilled to be meeting a lot of new people, she explained. And old friends. "We were friends when it happened," said Shelli Nifong, 24, of Mishawaka, referring to the accident that has left Clay in a wheelchair. "We're still friends now."